Used bottles

I am sure this is a dumb question....
Is it okay to use used bottles? My husband's friend just gave us a ton of bottles that their son used. They have all been cleaned (and we would have to get new nipples for them of course). I just didn't know if this was okay or if I should just buy new bottles.

 

I had used bottles from a friend that I used with my daughter. We also bought new nipples and sterilized everything. I can't see why it would be a problem.

 

us too; we got handme downs-sterilize and clean-buy new nipples thou-look for wear and tear but mostly then were meant to last the plastic ones

 

I re-used some of my son's old bottles with my daughter- obviously with new teats.

 

Almost all our bottles were used. We just had to buy a few more because we got them from someone who didn't have twins. We did buy new nipples -- not so much for germ reasons as because they can crack and break down over time.

 

about half the bottles I had were used - we just bought nipples for them....and then I passed them down to someone I work with

 

I would say yes, used bottles are fine... one thing I did read the other day at the OB's office: if they have any scratches at all throw them away. Don't use bottles with scratches, inside of them and don't use them in the dish washer. This weakens the plastic and can cause them to leak toxins from the plastic into the formula or milk. They also said that there are a few brands that you shouldn't use, because they are made from poisonous toxins. I didn't know this and used all different types with my other 3 children. They did say that Gerber is a brand that is safe to use and I wish I could remember the other brands. I will borrow the article when I go in on Monday and put it on here if you would like. Just let me know.

 

Yeah, they are fine, I would just sterilize them all before using them and definitely buy new nipples, like you are planning to. We used a lot of my oldest DD's for the twins, with new nipples of course.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I don't have a bottle sterlizer --- guess I should get one if using the dishwasher isn't safe.
Also, Tammy, if you don't mind...I would love to see that article. I think most of the bottles are Avent, and a few Playtex but I didn't see any gerber.

 

I am really sorry about not getting back to you sooner. I am in college and it is that crunch time... finals! Between that, dr appointments, work, 4 children, 1 husband, 1 dog, the house....well you get the picture!

The article was in Parenting Magazine, September 2007 issue. It said that the micro and the dishwasher both release chemicals from the heated plastic and can contaminate the milk or formula. The best brands to use and safest by their article is Born Free, Gerber, Sassy and Medela.

If they are playtex nursers I would definately go for that. I work at a daycare and I have lots of bottles used by lots of children. If they start looking the littlest bit cloudy or scratched I know it's time to get rid of them. Hope this helps.

-Again, sorry it too so long to get back to you! I really didn't forget you!